What's up with ROOF WASHING?

pressurepros said:
Have done a bunch of roofs from the ground with an X-Jet.. or lets say applied the chemicals that way. I have yet to have a roof where the shingles didn't need to be washed.. ie, up close and personal attention with a couple hundred psi. Do you guys wash your roofs or just rinse them from the ground? I don't know if this is a northeast thing or perhaps just the jobs we have done but I have yet to get a shoot and rinse job.
Click to expand...

That's because you're using an X-jet- not enough chems are hitting the roof.
If you're really gonna do a roof here and there I'll loan you the $129 for a Delevan.
:rolleyes:
 
Don Phelps said:
It causes more run-off when doing it from the top. You're essentially creating a waterfall by doing it that way. Spraying from the bottom up creates much less run-off.
Click to expand...

Exactly Don, we do not prefer to do it that way either, your mix doesn't do you any good on the ground. That particular roof we decided to cover and drown with a moderate mix, because of the way it was laid out. By walking the peak we could coat most of this one with one laddering. I put a thick mix on it to slow the flow. The owner was beside himself with the results, and turned us on to a few neighbors.
 
Fenner, sounds like your mix is weak. I do roofs all the time, one coat and gone. If their light colored shingles where you can still see some dead algae lying up there I will rinse just so the homeowner doesn't feel like I didn't complete the job it all depends on the roof and the situation.

Ken S, that roof could of easily been shot from a ladder at the roof edge with the right tip. I hope you charged enough for risking your life. On another note, IMO downstreaming and or xjetting does not work don't waste your time. Also I've never needed soap for cling on steep roofs as long as its good and hot outside. Chris with Superior Power Wash is in Texas and he does roofs, maybe you can hook up with him to learn the ropes (no pun intended) :)
 
Also I've never needed soap for cling on steep roofs as long as its good and hot outside.
Barry Maddox
Midwest Pro Wash
(574) 941-2211
Power Washer South Bend, Indiana
Exterior Cleaning Contractor


We are more than likely using different flows when applying, though good sunlight and heat will help the shingles absorb much better.
 
Crocs are very sticky, keeping your foot in them is the only problem. I wear boots when applying, but I do wear crocs to blow most roofs and during house washing, etc.. Quit picking on me, D!
 
taselton2 said:
Crocs are very sticky, keeping your foot in them is the only problem. I wear boots when applying, but I do wear crocs to blow most roofs and during house washing, etc.. Quit picking on me, D!
Click to expand...

what are crocs?:confused:
 
they may be comfortable but i dont know if i would pw with them on.
 
See what you started, Dustin. Thanks, Don, I wear the blue ones. The reason I wear these is because my feet are protected and they dry quickly. The material is very sticky on shingles, but I do not apply with them on.

We wear polyester swim trunk style shorts, poly-blend shirts, and these crocs. I keep about 6 shirts in the truck and swap them out several times during the day. The trunks don't bleach, dry fast, and are comfortable. The shirts don't bleach out and are disposable, the crocs are indestructible, and impervious to foot odor.

I think bleached out shorts and shirts give a bad impression to potential customers and cotton doesn't last in this field of work with out a poly-blend.

This is Florida, so we have to dress for the weather. Winter is same shirts just long sleeve, polyester type running pants and rubber boots. I have some pants and boots that are insulated for the occasional really cold morning.
 
I have a pair I wear around the house sometimes, but they bother my feet after a while. They're spongy and comfortable initially, but not enough support for my feet overall.

They're navy blue, Thad.
 
MIKE FP said:
they may be comfortable but i dont know if i would pw with them on.
Click to expand...

We don't pressure wash that much, mainly softwashing. We do pressure wash in them sometimes, But I only pressure wash with about 1600 or so with the wand when trimming out for the surface cleaner.
 
Don Phelps said:
I have a pair I wear around the house sometimes, but they bother my feet after a while. They're spongy and comfortable initially, but not enough support for my feet overall.
Click to expand...

Not enough arch support?
That's a problem for me. I finally found a few pairs of flip flops that have arch support so I'm fine except for work.


Don Phelps said:
They're navy blue, Thad.
Click to expand...

Good.
The pic in the link only showed pink, red, and powder blue.
Not much choice there!
 
Since this thread has kinda went towards shoes - these are the most comfortable shoe I've found yet for pressure washing. Not sure if I would wear them on a roof, but for flatwork and other pressure washing they have been great.

http://www.bogsfootwear.com/Qstore/Qstore.cgi?CMD=011&PROD=1065647060

They're about 50 dollars I've seen them everywhere boots, espescially hunting boots, are sold.
 
I did my first roof last week. I agreed to do it because the pitch was walkable. Applied 12.5% with an x-jet with some soap for cling. I still had to hit the stains with some pressure as Ken said. I get the impression that most of the roof guys just apply and rinse. Is that true? I have had quite a few requests for roof work this year but I want to be sure of my methods before I start doing them and spend additional money for specialized equipment.
 
Doug Dahlke said:
I did my first roof last week. I agreed to do it because the pitch was walkable. Applied 12.5% with an x-jet with some soap for cling. I still had to hit the stains with some pressure as Ken said. I get the impression that most of the roof guys just apply and rinse. Is that true? I have had quite a few requests for roof work this year but I want to be sure of my methods before I start doing them and spend additional money for specialized equipment.
Click to expand...

Doug,

Apply and rinse should work if your mix is strong enough. I use a shurflo setup. I haven't stepped up to a delevan yet. Sometimes 2 apps may be necessary.

Mike
 
mikew said:
Doug,

Apply and rinse should work if your mix is strong enough. I use a shurflo setup. I haven't stepped up to a delevan yet. Sometimes 2 apps may be necessary.

Mike
Click to expand...
Have you at least "stepped up" to larger hose, now that you have some experience in controlloing run off ?
The larger hose will help you right now, and still be great when you FINALLY get the Delevan :)

The solution IS the "solution", don't apply enough, and you will constantly be chasing spots you missed.
PLUS, get a good Sun Tan :eek:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top